Thursday, February 24, 2011

Being One Composed of Many

Some thoughts as I read 1 Corinthians 12 today ...

12 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."

Like many scriptures, it is saying multiple things simultaneously, like the different colors of light that you can see from a diamond depending on how you hold it.  In this case, I believe it is speaking to teamwork, and it is also providing an explanation as to how Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Ghost can be one (team, if you will) and still be unique individuals ...


25-27 "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

Or you could say, Charity, being the true love of Christ, never faileth.  We were challenged in church not so long ago to do a 20/20/20 daily ... 20 minutes of scripture study and meditation, 20 minutes of exercise, and I believe this is noteworthy to be included, 20 minutes of meaningful service.  Consistency in charity, really caring about each other, is vital. 

If you agree, please share this thought along with your own comments.  Thanks!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

We Are Truly What We Eat ... And Also What We Breathe, Drink, Think About, And More

I especially took note of a couple passages as I read in the scriptures this morning...

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

It touches me that God has things great beyond our imagination prepared for those who love him, and who seek him out.  I'm sure some of those things are after this life, but I also believe that many of them are available here, now ... if we simply ask and listen quietly, patiently for an answer.  I have personally experienced this joy and know others who have as well.  It is a wonderful feeling and worth pursuing.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

We truly are what we eat ... and also what we breathe, drink, think about, and more.  Our body and our soul are worth caring for.  Consistently.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Does this sound like Paul talking about his own day in the first century A.D. ... or ours?

Romans 13:11-14: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

Does this sound like Paul talking about his own day in the first century A.D.  ... or ours in the twenty-first century? 

Sobering, isn't it?  Please ... comment on the first reaction you had when you read this.  Thank you.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Blessed Are They That Have Not Seen, And Yet Have Believed

I have truly enjoyed this particular reading of the Gospel of John, for instance,

John 20:29 "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

It is a true blessing to be able to discern truth from its intangible evidence, and then to act on that truth.  Truth is not limited to those things we can detect with the senses of sight, sound, smell, or touch.

John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

Great as it is to be able to discern truth, it is a greater blessing to be able to believe in the specific truth that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, and that this belief is spiritually lifegiving!

John 21: 17 "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
 
As we grow in our belief in Christ, we will grow to love Him ever more deeply.  It is a commandment to do so, along with the companion commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.  We do this by "feeding" them, or by serving them in the same way we would willingly serve Christ himself.  This is so important that Christ lovingly asked Peter three times to do this, for emphasis on its importance.
 
And He blesses us so greatly as we do so!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

If Ye Know These Things, Happy Are Ye If Ye Do Them

Some thoughts to ponder for today ... Christ speaking in John 13:15-17 "I have given you an example, ye should do as I have done unto you. ... If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Then continuing in John 14:12-16, He says "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"

And in John 14:21 He says, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 14:26-27 adds "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

In my mind, I hear Him speaking these words in a clear, gentle, powerful voice.  I repeat them.  They are so comforting and so full of loving guidance and direction. 

I love the Lord.  I love to hear His voice.  I know you can feel His love for you too.